Mumbai, April 29: In a surprising turn of events during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Riyan Parag, the 24-year-old captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), has found himself in the spotlight. A video allegedly showing him using a vape in the RR dressing room went viral during the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in New Chandigarh.
The incident occurred during the 16th over of the second innings when a broadcast camera briefly captured Parag with what appeared to be a vape. This footage quickly spread across social media, prompting fans to express their concerns and call for action. The timing of the incident was particularly notable as it happened just after Parag was dismissed, having scored 29 runs off 16 balls, failing to push his innings forward at a critical moment in the chase.
As the video gained traction online, questions arose regarding potential disciplinary measures. While there is no explicit public rule against vaping, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enforces strict guidelines regarding player conduct within stadiums. Under health and safety protocols, the use of tobacco or related products is generally prohibited in dressing rooms or dugouts, putting Riyan Parag at risk of penalties.
This controversy comes at a challenging time for the young player, who is already facing scrutiny. Following Sanju Samson’s departure to Chennai Super Kings, Parag has been leading the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 season. He has struggled to maintain consistency in his batting, managing only 81 runs in seven innings prior to this match, which has led to criticism from fans and former players alike.
Despite the turmoil off the field, Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down a target of 223 runs, defeating Punjab Kings and handing them their first loss of the season with six wickets remaining.
Earlier, on April 10, Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder was fined ₹1 lakh for using a mobile phone in the dugout during an IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at ACA Stadium in Guwahati, along with receiving an official warning.
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